2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 BMW 530
To start off, 2007 BMW 530 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 46 kg more than 2007 BMW 530.
Because 2007 BMW 530 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2007 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, both vehicles can yield 300 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
